Fleet Pond damaged by sewage leak?

An area surrounding Fleet Pond has been closed off to the public following a sewage leak from a nearby pumping station.

It is believed the Thames Water sewage pumping station in Avondale Road failed last Friday, allowing raw sewage to escape into Brookly Stream.

Fencing and signs were put up on Saturday closing paths Brookly Stream – Monet Bridge to the Bay.

Urgent works are now being carried out to repair the pumping station as well as check for environmental damage.

This is not the first time this particular pumping station has failed.

In 2005 it caused raw sewage to flood gardens in nine nearby homes as well as Brookly Stream, which feeds into the pond.

Fleet Pond is one of Hampshire's hidden gems. At 21 hectares (52 acres), it is the county's largest freshwater lake.